Hawaii and Southern California are experiencing significant high surf this weekend due to the presence of multiple tropical systems in the Pacific Ocean. Hurricane Lowell, currently a Category 4 storm, and Hurricane Marie, though weakening, are the primary drivers of these conditions.
Hurricane Lowell, located more than 600 miles south-southwest of Honolulu with sustained winds of 145 mph, is forecast to track northwest and then turn north. It is expected to pass west of the main Hawaiian Islands late Monday into Tuesday morning. While it may still be at major hurricane strength as it passes, a gradual weakening trend is anticipated.
Lowell is already contributing to high surf on the south and southeast facing shores of the Hawaiian Islands, with waves up to 12 feet prompting a High Surf Advisory. The storm's outer bands could bring strong, gusty winds to Kauai County on Monday and Monday night. Additionally, Lowell is expected to push a significant amount of tropical moisture northward, leading to periods of heavy rain across the islands beginning late Sunday and continuing through early next week. Rainfall totals of four to six inches are possible on Kauai and the Big Island, with isolated amounts up to 10 inches in higher elevations. Maui and Oahu are expected to receive one to four inches.
Tropical Storm Karina, which has weakened from its previous hurricane status, is located over 750 miles from the Big Island and is expected to dissipate by late Sunday night. Despite its distance, Karina will generate swells that will impact Hawaii's east-facing shores, with a High Surf Advisory in effect through Sunday.
In the eastern Pacific, Hurricane Marie is churning roughly 700 miles from the southern tip of Baja California. Marie is forecast to weaken to a tropical storm by Sunday night and dissipate early next week. However, swells from Marie will continue to affect the coasts of southwest Mexico, the Baja California Peninsula, and southern California over the holiday weekend. A high risk of dangerous and potentially life-threatening rip currents is in effect along the southern California coast through Monday.
The active tropical conditions in the central and eastern Pacific are attributed to the effects of El Nino.